East of Mira (from "A Suite of Fractals") Op. 3 No. 1

File:
n_eastmira.nwcAugust 20032.98 kB00:03:11
Composer:Nachbaur, Fred (1951 - 2004), Canadian
Genre:Modern
Instruments:Synth (Shakuhachi, vibes, xylophone, bass, strings)
Submitter:Nachbaur, Fred
Email:fnachbaur (e-mail)
Website:http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/
Experimental, fractally generated. MPEG audio available at my website.

Updated June 2000. Requires V1.70

This is an experiment in "Computer Assisted Music" (CAC). Though I'm normally
quite averse to "modern music" (aka "squeaks and pops") I've grown quite fond
of this piece in the process of composing it. The experiment was to take some-
thing that really _was_ "squeaks and pops" and convert it into something
remotely resembling music. ;-)
The sequence was originally generated by a DOS program called "The Well-Tempered
Fractal", which simply outputs a text string of notes based on the x/y positions
of an orbit fractal. The settings selected were the "Mira" fractal, using the
"Eastern" scale (1, flat 2, 3, 4, 5, flat 6, flat 7)... hence the name.
The text string was converted to midi using "t2mf.exe", and imported into Cubasis
for editing. Note durations were adjusted, the various ranges split into four
discreet instruments, and pan/velocity/dynamic properties adjusted.
Two discreet areas of the fractal were sampled; a repetitive section at the outer
edge of the fractal, and a busier, more "random" section nearer the centre. The
second portions was sandwiched between two clips of the first, and bridges written
to link the sections together.
Finally the whole mess was exported back to midi, and re-imported into NoteWorthy
for final editing and scoring.